Leaving your home to look for a new life in a different city is a process that comes with many challenges. Aside from learning your way around the neighborhood and finding a job, one of the most difficult things is meeting new people that will later become an important part of your life. Since making friends after moving to a new city is not easy for everyone, here are six tips that should help you tackle this task.
1. A housewarming party is a good start
Everyone needs someone important in their lives. It is in peoples’ nature to seek friendships and make bonds. A housewarming party is the best icebreaker for introducing yourself to the people in your new neighborhood. Whoever comes will show a willingness to get to know you. With that in mind, a housewarming party is not only a way to make friends, but also to see who seeks new friends in your environment. Of course, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a better version of this kind of party would be a virtual event.
2. Use social media apps
Let’s face it; social media changed how our world functions today. Various platforms are a source of friendship and communication for many people, in many different ways. As a newcomer, you could use the advantages of social media to meet new people. Just try not to let it distract you from the real world, but rather help you connect to it better.
3. Attend events in your community
When making friends in a new city, it is best to start from your own neighborhood. With a little effort, you can easily find a plethora of local community events that are perfect for not only meeting people but also having some fun doing something you like.
Whether it’s a concert, a film screening, a cooking event, a sports show, or anything else, it is guaranteed you will have the best time. Furthermore, any people attending these events will have the same interests as you. There is no better ice breaker than talking about a subject of common interest.
4. Volunteer work
This may not be an option for those who have to work or go to school. However, if you have free time on your hands, doing some volunteering might be an excellent way to meet potential friends. Besides spending time with others, you will have a chance to help people in your community.
People have been trying to find ways to use social media platforms as a tool that will join them together, not only for a casual talk but also for a higher purpose. As a volunteer, you can use your social media accounts to promote what you do and invite neighbors to give their contribution. You will present yourself in a positive light and create a solid foundation to make bonds with the people around you.
5. Become a part of the online community
We cannot really talk about making friends after moving to a new city without mentioning the danger of the COVID-19 outbreak. With the rule about social distancing and the threat of being infected, it may not be that easy to apply some of the approaches mentioned above. Nevertheless, where there is a will, there is a way! The online community is always eager to talk about their favorite topics or play online games, and you can find many other creative ideas online for socializing safely during this time.
A step further in that direction would be to start a discussion group and invite people to join. You can pick the topic or have everyone pitch in their ideas and talk about anything you wish.
Online communities are essential for helping people deal with these challenging times.
6. Make yourself available
Maybe one of the most important tips for making friends in a new city is to make yourself available for hangouts. As you start meeting people, you will probably be invited to parties or gatherings. If you are busy working or don’t have much time, it might be challenging to attend. Nevertheless, you should try to make yourself available and find some time regardless of your schedule.
Why is making friends after moving to a new city so important?
Many people take good friends for granted, never thinking about the importance of having someone in your life you can rely on. And that’s not a bad thing; it is simply in our nature. We usually cannot appreciate something until we lose it, especially if it is not that hard to obtain.
However, once you move to a new city, you will realize that making true friends is not as easy as it may sound, but it is imperative to try. Having a familiar face in your new environment will help you adapt faster and learn your way around the city. Connections with people might also help you find a job more easily, or you may even meet someone special with whom to share your life.
Making friends after moving to a new city is essential, so don’t take it lightly. Give it your best to build bonds that will help you start feeling like a local and not a newcomer in an unknown environment.
Liam Roberts
Liam Roberts has been a blogger for over 3 years, mostly writing about relocation and experiences people have in new environments. His hopes for the future include starting his own marketing agency and adopting another dog.
